1-158-109 - Oxford Science Archive/Heritage Images

Joseph Priestley, English chemist and Presbyterian minister, 19th century. Priestley (1733-1804) was a pioneer in the study of gases and is recognised as one of the discoverers of oxygen. He also experimented with electricity. Priestley was a member of the Lunar Society, a dining club of scientists and businessmen from the Birmingham region, including Matthew Boulton, James Watt, John Wilkinson, Erasmus Darwin and Josiah Wedgwood. In 1794 he emigrated to America and published books on Unitarianism. After a statue by J Williamson.